Microsoft Xbox Sensor

Word is out that Microsoft is building a “sensor bar” for the Xbox 360.  This is of course a move to compete with the shockingly successful Wii. Instead of detecting the waggles of controllers like in the Wii, the bar supposedly detects full body movement and sound without the use of controllers. There are two sensors on the bar, along with a mic and a camera that take of the body movement. Technical details are not yet available. The sensor bar is claimed to have all these features:

• Hand gesture and full body control of characters and games.
• You can kick, punch, duck, dive, jump and so forth with your body while playing a fighting game.
• Small movements like grabbing, scrolling and pinching are detected.
• The camera will allow for video conferencing.
• Trivia games through live will show the other player. Buzzing in is done by clapping.
• Very importantly, the sensor will pick up what you are doing, not what your friends sitting in the back are doing.

Kindle DX

We just got a quick first in-person look at Amazon’s new Kindle DX. It looks bigger! Some quick thoughts on the device:

• It’s not that different than the Kindle 2. Way too similar. It rocks auto-rotation and a big screen that makes it easier to read. But, otherwise, it’s pretty much the same machine.
• The screen looks great. The black seems stronger than the black on the Kindle 2. However, this could just be for the demo units.
• The screen refresh complainers won’t be pleased… The black flashes on page turns still exist.
• The keyboard is improved, though still uncomfortable. The keys are raised and offer a slightly more natural feel.
• The DX is a much larger device than the Kindle 2. It’s not very portable in the sense of throw in your bag and go. Portability-wise, the Kindle 2 isn’t much of a contender either. The size upgrade seems worth it in this case.

Web Hosting

You may or may not have noticed…there is now a Web Hosting page at the top.

Web hosting is now being offered to the public at low costs that were previously available only to a select number of individuals. The servers are located in a high speed, state of the art center in the United States. This site is hosted on the same or identical server that is being sold. If you are impressed with the loading times and reliability of this site, you will be pleased with the hosting that is offered.

Android 1.5

Android 1.5 was announced today!

Android is the open source operating system for mobile phones and devices. It was developed by Google and is now developed by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), which is an alliance of 47 firms, including the leading mobile device manufacturers, like, HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and LG. Google, is of course a member, and actually the leader of the alliance.

Most of the Android code is licensed under Apache, making it free software and open source.
Android 1.5 will add a home screen framework for developing widgets and working with live folders.

OHA will be releasing more information about the new Android version in the coming weeks.